Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle Review – No Shortage of Style

The new Ducati Scrambler is possibly the best version yet but what more does the Full Throttle offer?

Story: Joshua Varghese
Photography: Apurva Ambep

Most people know the Scrambler as the entry-point into the Ducati family and that is true, but there is more to it. The Scrambler range has its own identity and the new generation has only added to that charm. They are the simplest and easiest Ducatis to have fun on. We did, too, except that our time was spent astride the Scrambler Full Throttle, a motorcycle that has everything the Scrambler has, plus a lot of high-end kit.

So far as styling goes, one is aware that there is something that sets it apart from the standard Scrambler but one is usually unable to put a finger on it. That is because although it is largely similar to the standard model, the Full Throttle has been inspired by flat-track racers. The shape of the handlebars, side-panels with the number “62” on them, and the rear bodywork are giveaways to that design philosophy. It works in the motorcycle’s favour, especially in this colour scheme. That is where the inspiration ends because while flat-trackers use 19-inch wheels, this one has 17- and 18-inch units at the rear and front respectively. Lights are LED all around and Ducati’s eye for detail even for something as small as the turn indicators needs to be applauded.

The number “62” is a tribute to the first-ever Scrambler that was launched in 1962 and since then the evolution has always been within the guidelines of what the motorcycle was initially developed to be. Even the Full Throttle offers an incredible combination of old school charm, motor sport inspiration, modern technology, and high-end componentry.

The revised riding position makes the saddle a comfortable place to be in because the rider sits fairly upright with both the wide handlebar and the foot-pegs within easy reach. The rider’s field of view includes just the slim and shapely 13.5-litre fuel-tank and the handlebar ahead of it. The 4.3-inch display is the highlight of that region and, once again, Ducati have packaged new-age technology into a console that is reminiscent of clusters of yore. The amount of electronics on offer is fairly simple by Ducati standards but still comprehensive enough to take care of beginners. They include traction control, riding modes (Road and Wet), and even cornering ABS.

The Desmodue is the simplest engine Ducati have on offer and, in its latest iteration, it has lost as much as 2.5 kilograms. It is an 803-cc, air-cooled, four-valve, L-twin engine that develops 73 hp at 8,250 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a peak torque of 65.2 Nm at 7,000 rpm. The best part is that all of that power is usable in most conditions. Be it a quick burst of acceleration for multiple overtake manoeuvres at once or a blast along the hillside, the Full Throttle has enough torque on tap to help a beginner improve and to keep the veteran entertained. The six-speed transmission is a pleasure to use and, because this is the Full Throttle, the up-and-down quick-shifter is standard.

As compared to the outgoing models, this Scrambler’s exhaust headers have been routed differently. Follow the pipes and it will lead one to the Termignoni exhaust, offered as standard with this motorcycle. At idle, the benefits of the Termi do not stand out over the engine noise but once the revs build, it makes itself heard; a guttural roar accompanied by the occasional pop and crackle.

The torque comes in early and carries the rider into a potent mid-range which makes the Scrambler easy to have fun with. On an open road, using each gear to its full potential is easy to do because the power delivery is smooth and progressive. The response from the ride-by-wire throttle inspires great confidence for new riders while the more experienced ones have the option of wringing out all the performance available. There is a new clutch at play, too, and it is hydraulically actuated, which improves usability in town.

Be that as it may, this is not a motorcycle that asks to be ridden like a maniac. The Scrambler lifestyle is all about chilling as the world goes by and that it does beautifully. This generation gets a new trellis frame with a bolt-on subframe. There is also a new cast aluminium swing-arm. They have contributed to a significant weight loss of up to four kilos over the previous model with the total weight now coming to a reasonable 170 kg (dry).

Suspension is managed by an upside-down (USD) fork and a centrally placed monoshock; both KYB units with only preload adjustability. The set-up is slightly on the stiffer side but usably so. The wheel travel at either end is a generous 150 millimetres each and that is more than enough for urban adventures. By equipping it with Pirelli MT60 RS dual-purpose tyres, Ducati have further broadened this motorcycle’s versatility. Riding on trails like a mad man is something the Full Throttle will let you do but its sweet spot is in exploring the path less taken at a steady and comfortable pace.

On the road, it becomes quickly evident that it fits the bill as a premium everyday motorcycle for our conditions. The ride quality is good enough to ride over broken roads without slowing down much and the bike remains fairly planted on the highway and through fast corners. The centre of gravity is low and its neutral handling allows one to easily tame the Full Throttle and make it dance to one’s tune. It is a nimble machine and easy to throw into corners. Scraping foot-pegs through a corner is within its ability and, in the right hands, it can be immensely fun along a serpentine road, even if the surface is far from smooth. For the Scrambler’s pace and capability, the brakes are also more than adequate. They are four-piston Brembo callipers and they work flawlessly. Furthermore, the addition of cornering ABS ensures great peace of mind.

At the end of my time with this Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, it must be said that the Italian marque has significantly updated the range without losing any of the charm and fun that define a Scrambler. The Full Throttle in particular may not be the most value-for-money proposition in the line-up but, given the sheer amount of kit it offers as standard, it is a motorcycle that demands attention. It has the simplicity of a Scrambler and the exclusivity of more expensive models from other Ducati families.

The most important part for me is that, as its name suggests, this is one motorcycle that can be ridden at full throttle with ease. The price one has to pay for such excitement is Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), which, although not as expensive as the Monster (Rs 12.95 lakh, ex-showroom), is still enough to keep it out of reach for most. The Scrambler continues to be a fun, easy-to-ride motorcycle that has a great personality, now more than ever. The Full Throttle is best for those who want all of that in a package that is going to be fairly exclusive. The other Scrambler options include the standard model and the Nightshift.